Fortuna to discuss dog licensing, public transit needs Monday

The Fortuna City Council will meet Monday to clear up confusion about city dog licensing requirements and ask the public for input on unmet transit needs.

According to a city staff report, some community members have questioned whether Fortuna may require dog owners to obtain a city license. The report stated that one individual had indicated to the city that under California Food and Agriculture Code, dog licenses are not required in California.

According to City Attorney Dave Tranberg, the city does have jurisdiction to require an owner license a dog over the age of 4 months, and pay the required fees. Tranberg also stated in the report that the California Food and Agriculture Code does give the city the ability to require dog licenses.

Currently, dog owners may be required to pay a one year fee of either $12 for spayed or neutered pets or $35 for unneutered pets. Fees for violating the licensing requirements range from $50 to $150.

The council will also hold a public hearing Monday to receive public comment regarding unmet transit needs. The comments will be forwarded to the Humboldt County Association of Governments for consideration.

Fortuna residents currently have two public transportation systems options: the city's Dial-A-Ride system and Humboldt Transit Authority's Regional Redwood Transit System.

If no public comment is provided, or if no unmet transit needs are identified, the city of Fortuna will be given permission to expend excess Transportation Development Act funds on non-transit related projects, including street and road projects.

The 6 p.m. meeting takes place at Fortuna City Hall, 621 11th St. Agendas are available at www.friendlyfortuna.com. Meetings are televised on Public Access Channel 10.